/**/ May 2018 - Travel + Decor + DIY

A Lazy Travel Guide to Hong Kong Disneyland (Spring-Summer 2018 Edition)

HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH! I think every child’s dream is to visit Disneyland and meet Mickey and friends even just once in a lifetime (ok maybe several times.).

I grew up singing A Whole New World and Beauty and The Beast (and sometimes Part of Your World) in every glee club, choir and musical play audition. I also collected those cool Aladdin stickers inside Maggie Chicken Noodles and every Disney toy you can get from a happy meal, name it and for sure I got it.

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The first Disneyland trip I did was in Paris. I actually spent my first day in the city of love in the kingdom of magic. The second was in Florida where I also stayed at the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel. Both experiences I hold close to my ever so young heart. Now that I am back in the Philippines, it is convenient to know that Hong Kong Disneyland is just close by whenever I feel like reliving that feeling of being back in the company of Mickey Mouse and all his jolly crew.

Read also: Walt Disney World, Orlando Florida  |  I Left My Heart in Paris 

If you are thinking visiting Hong Kong and spending your weekend or simply stopping over Disneyland, here are some guides that might help you plan your trip. Let’s call this my Lazy Travel Guide to Hong Kong Disneyland (Spring and Summer 2018 edition).

HOW TO GET THERE


Hong Kong Disneyland Theme Park Travel Guide Philippine Airlines Explorers Lodge Lantau Island Blog
FLIGHT

I am happy to tell you that Philippine Airlines offers 5 daily direct flights from Manila to Hong Kong. With a 30 kg baggage allowance and in-flight meals (some flights even comes with your own inflight entertainment system), Philippine Airlines is one of the best airlines to choose from.

Travel time approximately 2 and a half hour.
HONG KONG AIRPORT TO DISNEYLAND

From Hong Kong International Airport there are several options to go to Disneyland. Being both located at Lantau Island, you can choose between booking a coach service (located at Terminal 2), hopping on a train (MTR), or taking an airport taxi.
MTR

Mass Transit Railway (MTR) Trains are available to guests traveling from the Hong Kong International Airport. Board the Disneyland Resort Line at Sunny Bay Station for Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

Trains depart every few minutes daily, from early in the morning until late at night.

If you are coming from any part of Hong Kong, just make your way to Sunny Bay Station and look for the Disneyland Resort Line.

TIP: If you are planning to explore other places aside from Hong Kong Disneyland, it is best to get a Hong Kong Octopus Card to conveniently use Hong Kong’s very efficient public transportation.
TAXI

Lantau taxi service provides transportation from the airport to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Taxi drop-off for Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is at the Disneyland Public Transport Interchange (PTI). Look for blue colored taxis which serves all Lantau Island

WHEN IN HONG KONG DISNEYLAND


Hong Kong Disneyland Theme Park Travel Guide Philippine Airlines Explorers Lodge Lantau Island Blog
TICKET PRICES

There are several types of tickets and packages you can choose from. For short-term visitors these two are most popular.
1- Day Park Ticket:

General Admission: HK$ 619

Children 3-11 year old : HK$ 458

Senion 65+ year old: HK$ 100
2-Days Park Ticket:

General Admission: HK$ 799

Children 3-11 year old : HK$ 589

Senior 65+ year old: HK$ 170

valid on any 2 days within a week or 7-day period

Hong Kong Disneyland Theme Park Travel Guide Philippine Airlines Explorers Lodge Lantau Island Blog

Hong Kong Disneyland Theme Park Travel Guide Philippine Airlines Explorers Lodge Lantau Island Blog

For other ticket packages, you can check them here: Hong Kong Disneyland Ticket Offers
PRIORITY ADMISSION PASS

[caption id="attachment_5849" align="alignnone" width="800"]Hong Kong Disneyland Theme Park Travel Guide Philippine Airlines Explorers Lodge Lantau Island Blog These passes are very powerful![/caption]

Each ticket holder entitles one fast pass ticket which enables you to skip the line and become a priority guest. It is very convenient especially for popular attractions like the Space Mountain (oh yeah!).

If you are a hotel guest, you can get additional priority admission passes for every booking made. See at hotel section below for additional information regarding this.

These Priority Admission Passes give you access to up to 8 attractions, including the newly opened “Iron Man Experience” and Asia’s first “Hyperspace Mountain” .
WHERE TO STAY (DISNEY PROTERY HOTELS)

There are several hotels to choose from inside HK Disneyland. We stayed at The Disney Explorers Lodge and also got to explore Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel.
DISNEY EXPLORERS LODGE

[caption id="attachment_5850" align="alignnone" width="800"]Hong Kong Disneyland Theme Park Travel Guide Philippine Airlines Explorers Lodge Lantau Island Blog My room in Explorers Lodge. I love the safari feel details![/caption]

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Disney Explorers Lodge is Hong Kong’s first adventure and leisure themed hotel. We stayed here for 3 days. Furnished to look like a glamping site in the middle of the African savannah, the moment you enter, you'll know that you are in for a wonderful adventure.

The hotel has 4 wings and themed gardens, showcasing the cultures of Asia, Oceana, South America and Africa.
HONG KONG DISNEYLAND HOTEL

[caption id="attachment_5851" align="alignnone" width="800"]Hong Kong Disneyland Theme Park Travel Guide Philippine Airlines Explorers Lodge Lantau Island Blog This hotel is so posh! I mean really posh! I feel like a mayor or something. :)[/caption]

Hong Kong Disneyland’s main hotel. Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel is a lavish Victorian Palace decorated in such splendor reminiscent of a vintage seaside resort. You will definitely feel like a royalty the moment you enter the grand hotel lobby.

We had one of our breakfasts here along with Mickey and his whole crew (imagine Pluto as your chef haha). Aside from this, we also participated in a morning tai chi with Goofy.
DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD HOTEL

I haven’t gotten a chance to visit this hotel but from the name itself, Disney's Hollywood Hotel this a hotel inspired by LA's big H (if you didn't get it, it's Hollywood). Filled with art deco architectural details, this hotel will make you feel like a true Hollywood star in Hong Kong (I think haha)!
PERKS OF STAYING IN ONE OF THE DISNEY HOTEL PROPERTIES

Priority Admission Pass (Fast Pass)

[caption id="attachment_5852" align="alignnone" width="800"]Hong Kong Disneyland Theme Park Travel Guide Philippine Airlines Explorers Lodge Lantau Island Blog Every hotel booking entitles you with so much perks![/caption]

Booking a room at any of the Disneyland Hotel will entitle you with a fast pass to at least 1 park attraction based on the type of hotel room booked:

- Guests of the three hotels staying in a Sea View Room will receive Priority Admission Passes to 3 attractions

- Guests staying in a Kingdom Club Room of Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel will receive Priority Admission Passes to 4 attractions.
Seat Reservations
- Guests staying in a Sea View room of Disney Explorers Lodge or Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel will receive seat reservations to “Festival of the Lion King”

- Guests staying in a Kingdom Club Room of Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel will receive seat reservations to the first show of “Mickey and the Wondrous Book” on the day of their visit.

Complimentary In-Resort Shuttle Services

Complimentary shuttle service is available between the hotels and the Hong Kong Disneyland Park. Departing every 10 to 20 minutes depending on the time of day, the shuttle can be picked up in front of the hotel to the right of the main lobby.

Access to All 3 Disney Property Hotel Attractions

If you are staying in one of the Disneyland hotels, you are invited to join fun activities throughout the day at the recreation facilities of the hotels.

Breakfast with Disney Characters

You don’t even need to fall in line inside the theme park to meet and greet your favorite Disney characters. By staying in one of these hotels, you can easily spot them walking by the lobby, doing tai chi or even sharing breakfast with you.

[caption id="attachment_5853" align="alignnone" width="800"]Hong Kong Disneyland Theme Park Travel Guide Philippine Airlines Explorers Lodge Lantau Island Blog Our whole Hong Kong Disneyland Crew! Missing these guys so much![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5855" align="alignnone" width="800"]Hong Kong Disneyland Theme Park Travel Guide Philippine Airlines Explorers Lodge Lantau Island Blog Meet our chef! Meet and greet Mickey and the gang at the Enchanted Garden Restaurant[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5854" align="alignnone" width="800"]Hong Kong Disneyland Theme Park Travel Guide Philippine Airlines Explorers Lodge Lantau Island Blog Explorers Lodge surprise breakfast company![/caption]
RECOMMENDED PARK ATTRACTIONS

Attractions include the newly launched Carnivale of Stars that will be showcased from spring to the end of summer 2018 (15th March – 20th June 2018).
PARADES AND SHOWS

Always a highlight of every Disneyland visits. Watching all your favorite Disney characters in one huge parade. Hong Kong Disneyland offers several parades throughout the day. My favorite is the Disney Paint the Night Nighttime Spectacular which is the parade right before the park will close. A beautiful way to end the your magical day.

[caption id="attachment_5856" align="alignnone" width="800"]Hong Kong Disneyland Theme Park Travel Guide Philippine Airlines Explorers Lodge Lantau Island Blog Disney Princesses during the flight of Fantasy Parade[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5857" align="alignnone" width="800"]Hong Kong Disneyland Theme Park Travel Guide Philippine Airlines Explorers Lodge Lantau Island Blog A warm welcome by Minnie Mouse during the Disney Friends Spring Time Processional Parade[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5858" align="alignnone" width="800"]Hong Kong Disneyland Theme Park Travel Guide Philippine Airlines Explorers Lodge Lantau Island Blog A glowing Ariel during the Disney Paint the Night Nighttime Spectacular[/caption]

 

Below are the recommended parades and shows that you shouldn’t miss.

We Love Mickey! Projection Show ( part of seasonal Carnivale of Stars)

Flight of Fantasy Parade

Disney Friends Springtime Processional Show ( part of seasonal Carnivale of Stars)

Disney Paint the Night Nighttime Spectacular (you really I mean really shouldn’t miss this)

New (and Old) Character Meet and Greets

Lion King Festival (highly recommended)

Karibuni Marketplace (not really a show but a nice venue to play and win some Disney merch also to meet and greet some of your favorite Disney characters).
MUST TRY RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS

To be honest I am not a theme park ride buff. The thought of lining to ride a roller coaster is not my idea of an ideal weekend. But, I do love the thrill once I am already sitting down on one. Geared with a fast pass (priority admission pass), we were able to try several adrenaline pumping rides around. Here are some of my recommendations if you want to narrow down your list of rides to hop in.

[caption id="attachment_5859" align="alignnone" width="800"]Hong Kong Disneyland Theme Park Travel Guide Philippine Airlines Explorers Lodge Lantau Island Blog One of the latest attractions inside Hong Kong Disneyland[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5862" align="alignnone" width="800"]Hong Kong Disneyland Theme Park Travel Guide Philippine Airlines Explorers Lodge Lantau Island Blog Glasses On and ready for the IMAX Experience[/caption]

Below are the recommended Disney rides that you shouldn’t miss.

IMAX The Iron Man Experience

Hyperspace Mountain (highly recommended. We tried this 3 times haha)

Big Grizzly Mountain Coaster (another fun ride. The last part is the best…I will just let you experience it to know why)

RC Racer Coaster (I was really hesitant to try this, initially we were 6 who were thinking of riding the RC Racer, but eventually only 2 of us pushed through. Scary but fun).

Mystic Manor (This ride is not available in other Disney Theme Parks.)
STAY CONNECTED

Hong Kong Disneyland Theme Park Travel Guide Philippine Airlines Explorers Lodge Lantau Island Blog

I got connected (24/7) using MyPal Roam throughout my stay in Hong Kong. Just book and rent online and claim it at the airport Terminal (Manila) before your flight.

Alternatively, if you don't mind changing a sim card while you are traveling, or you have a spare phone or tablet, you can also purchase a 4G/3G sim card (with 1.5 gb data) through KKDAY.

Even though during our visit, the castle was under renovation (get updates here), HongKong Disneyland still has a lot to offer its visitors (or let’s say FANS!), And it didn’t disappoint. Kids and adults will surely enjoy being "part of this world" even for just a day.

Do you have other tips to experience the best of what Hong Kong Disneyland has to offer? Share them at the comment section below.

Hong Kong Disneyland Theme Park Travel Guide Philippine Airlines Explorers Lodge Lantau Island Blog




Our Hong Kong Disneyland trip was in collaboration with Philippine Airlines and Hong Kong Disneyland. All editorials and photos are my own unless mentioned or sighted from sources. 

 

kenneth surat Dubai Travel Blogger Philippines

Camarines Norte Part 2: Bantayog Festival and More

Beautiful (untouched) beaches, warm people and mouthwatering food, these are the words that I can think of whenever I remember my first Camarines Norte visit. Going back to the place popularly known for the powdery sand and clear waters of Calaguas Island makes me very excited to discover more its beauty.

[caption id="attachment_5835" align="alignnone" width="800"]BANTAYOG FESTIVAL CAMARINES NORTE DAET PHILIPPINES BANTAYOG FESTIVAL CAMARINES NORTE DAET[/caption]

We have 2 main agendas on this visit (and a lot of sub-agendas aka food haha).

To explore more islands we didn’t able to visit.


To experience the annual festivity called the Bantayog Festival.


The only thing I dread when going to Cam Norte is the almost 8-hour drive from Manila to Daet (the capital of the province). Long drives really isn’t my thing, especially with winding roads along the route. The only saving grace to this is that you know that you will be in paradise the moment you step out of the bus... or just book a flight to Naga, Camarines Sur

ISLAND HOPPING IN MERCEDES


The first time I visited the municipality of Mercedes, it was raining hard, the reason why our island hopping was very limited. This time around the weather was PERFECT!!!!!

Mercedes is well known as Camarines Norte’s biggest fishing port and along with it, are the famous 7 Islands. (Siete Pecados). For this trip we planned to visit as many islands possible!

Geared with an overnight bag (with mostly swimming wear….and charging ports haha) the moment our bus arrived in Daet, we went straight to the port in Mercedes.

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Fast forward, we ended up visiting 5 out of 7 islands and stayed overnight at one. Here are the islands we visited:



MALASUGUI

Our first stop is the island called Malasugi. It is the smallest island among the seven. They said it even looks like a big sand bar. On a perfect day it is a good place to lounge and soak in, but unfortunately our visit here was cut short due to some jelly fish spotted. So off to the next island!

[caption id="attachment_5801" align="alignnone" width="800"]MERCEDES CAMARINES NORTE PHILIPPINES BEACH We found 2 Jelly fish swimming..or should we say floating near the shore.[/caption]
CARINGO

After that jelly fish encounter, we were more careful and observant before rushing to take a plunge. Good thing our next island destination was clear of any threat (haha big word). Caringo is a village-island, I am not sure if this is a proper term for it, but, among all the islands we visited this one is a proper "barangay" (town), complete with a functioning school and a church.

[caption id="attachment_5811" align="alignnone" width="800"]CAMARINES NORTE BULALAKAW BEACH PHILIPPINES BEACH Locals living in Caringo Island. Most of them are fishermen and also work as boatmen for tourists during non-fishing hours[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5802" align="alignnone" width="800"]CAMARINES NORTE BULALAKAW BEACH PHILIPPINES BEACH Fresh catch lunch![/caption]

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Things to do here aside from exploring the town proper, where you can find the oldest recorded house in Mercedes, you can also hire a small boat and go snorkeling. We also had our lunch here, which is a super spread of the fresh catch from the ocean with an easily voted favorite dish, sinantol.
CANIMOG

Third island in the list is actually the largest one. On our first trip in Mercedes, we originally planned docking here, but because of the strong waves, it wasn't possible, even if we use our puppy eyes to the boat captain. So to finally explore this island is such a treat.

The main thing to do in Canimog is to make a short trek to the lighthouse to enjoy one of the best views in Mercedes (this I guarantee). I wasn't really expecting a lot but when I saw the beautiful rolling hills and the untouched shore from the viewing area, I was in awe.

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The only thing, I am not sure if there is a good spot here where you can swim. There should be? right? Also if you are planning to go for "the trek", don't be intimidated if it looks far, in reality you'll be there in 5 min (less than 10 min for sure) and the path is paved, easy breezy!
APUAO PEQUENA 

An island with a lush forest! This is how I can describe Apuao Pequena Island. Aside from the obvious perfectly laid out pine trees, there is a patch of large forest where you can trek and watch bats fly above you. WILD! I must admit that doing the trek was a bit scary, especially there are also wild boars roaming around.

[caption id="attachment_5807" align="alignnone" width="800"]CAMARINES NORTE BULALAKAW BEACH PHILIPPINES BEACH Our little trek inside Apuao Pequena Island[/caption]

Aside from "bat" watching, at the end of the trek is a cliff with a breathtaking view. Which is a perfect sunset spot.
 APUAO GRANDE

Last but not the least, we ended our day in Apuao Grande. It is a short walk from Apuao Pequena (connected by a sand bar--how cool is that?). We stayed here for the night. At first, I thought we will be camping here, I was happy to know that there are cabins in the island where we can take a shower, charge our gadgets and also a bed to sleep on. YEY!

[caption id="attachment_5808" align="alignnone" width="800"]CAMARINES NORTE BULALAKAW BEACH PHILIPPINES BEACH Our little cabin in the island![/caption]

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It was a tiring day but with all the things we saw, it was worth it. I can't believe even, that seeing the beauty of Mercedes is just the beginning of our visit in Camarines Norte.

To book a tour around the 7 Islands of Mercedes visit and contact the Mercedes Municipal Tourism Development Operation Center

Address: Mercedes Fish Port Compound, Brgy. 7, Mercedes Camarines Norte

Contact No.: +6354444-1261

Email: discovermercedes@yahoo.com

 

REVISITING JOSE PANGANIBAN


With another day to explore the province before we head immersing at the month long festival happening in the capital, we thought of revisiting our steps in Jose Panganiban. After a meeting at the mayor’s office, with our limited time, we plotted things we missed during our first stay in the province.
TURAYOG PLACE

Again, this is one of those places that we originally planned to visit during our first Cam Norte blogger trip. However, during that time, it was closed due to the weather. Our supposed to be tour became a time to munch on freshly baked breads and coffee (talk about a good counter offer haha). But this time, we were back with the vengeance (not quite..but yeah you know what I mean).

It is a short hike from the small sari-sari store at the entrance of the compound. The view from the hill looks amazing! The best part is, you can actually book it overnight and have bonfire and camp. Hmmm smores with a view.

Check their FB page here

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiMIK2HjybY/?taken-by=kennethsurat
BULALACAO BEACH

Eventhough to be honest, it is not the best beach in the province, this is indeed one of the most accessible in town. Only a few minutes drive from Turayog Place and just on your way to Pulang Daga beach. This can be a good stopover to dip and catch the waves.

[caption id="attachment_5799" align="alignnone" width="800"]CAMARINES NORTE BULALAKAW BEACH PHILIPPINES BEACH Just chilling at the Bulalacao Beach[/caption]

We had a short stop to get wet and to chill a bit. There is a small cluster of chalets where you can sit down and enjoy the view. If you are lucky you can even catch a mang babalut passing by.

THE BANTAYOG FESTIVAL


Finally, our visit in the province ended with a big celebration in Daet. We watched the annual street dance festival participated by some of the towns from Camarines Norte. This is part of the month long celebration called the Bantayog Festival (which also coincides with Cam Norte's 98th Founding Anniversary)

FYI: Bantayog Festival is unlike any other festivals in the country, where most of the fiestas are in honor of  the town's patron saint. Bantayog Festival celebrates the first "bantayog" (monument) in memory of the late Dr. Jose Rizal. 

[caption id="attachment_5383" align="alignnone" width="800"]CAMARINES NORTE PHILIPPINES COMETOCAMNORTE TRAVEL BLOG, DUBAI TRAVEL BLOGGER, BEACH CALAGUAS ISLAND PAROLA BEACH The famous batayog of Dr. Jose Rizal in Daet Camarines Norte[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5800" align="alignnone" width="800"]BANTAYOG FESTIVAL CAMARINES NORTE DAET PHILIPPINES The street dancers from San Lorenzo[/caption]

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiEcc0LD1nn/?taken-by=kennethsurat

I've been to several festivals around the Philippines and I love how the kids participating dance like their lives depend on it. With the energy of the performers and enthusiasm of the people watching (even on a hot, scorchy day) this street dance kicked off very promising.

Read also

Manggahan Festival, Guimaras Island Philippines

Baragatan Festival, Palawan Philippines

Aside from the street parade, there is also a main performance inside the town gymnasium. The crowd went crazy cheering for their municipalities (even us haha). Can’t wait to share with you guys my vlog during the festival (visit my youtube channel here).

For the meantime here are some snaps I got from the 14th Bantayog Festival Street Dance Parade.

[caption id="attachment_5806" align="alignnone" width="800"]BANTAYOG FESTIVAL CAMARINES NORTE DAET PHILIPPINES The deligates from the municipality of Capalonga[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5805" align="alignnone" width="800"]BANTAYOG FESTIVAL CAMARINES NORTE DAET PHILIPPINES Deligates from the municipality of Daet[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5814" align="alignnone" width="800"]BANTAYOG FESTIVAL CAMARINES NORTE DAET PHILIPPINES The muse of Daet[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5815" align="alignnone" width="800"]BANTAYOG FESTIVAL CAMARINES NORTE DAET PHILIPPINES The delegates from the municipality of Paracale[/caption]

It was indeed fun to be back in Camarines Norte. I experienced the same hospitality and warm welcome with even more food haha.

Now looking forward for my 4th visit!
To know more about Camarines Norte, you can read also

Travelogue: Camarines Norte


Parola Island: Camarines Norte's Pink Beach


 
OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL CONTACT INFORMATION

Provincial Tourism Office:


Come2camnote@yahoo.com


(054) 440-0034


Tourism Office of Jose Panganiban:


Ruth Marie P. Forteza- ruthmarieforteza@outlook.com


Tourism Office of Mercedes:


Nanette N. Ibasco- discovermercedes@yahoo.com


(054) 444-1261


Mercedestourism.com







This post was in partnership with the Camarines Norte Provincial Tourism Office and Katooga.ph .Check out all social media posts at #KatoogaCam and #ComeToCamNorte #LovekosiMercedes #TripleTheFunInJosePanganiban

kenneth surat Dubai Travel Blogger Philippines